Shipwreck found off NSW coast identified

A shipwreck found off the north coast of New South Wales has been identified as the MV Limerick, which was sunk by Japanese submarines in World War II.

The New Zealand-owned Limerick was part of a coastal convoy from Sydney to Brisbane when it was struck by a torpedo on Anzac Day in 1943, killing two crewmen.

Local fishermen identified a large shipwreck in 100 metres of water about 18 kilometres off Ballina late last year.

A scientific research voyage has now confirmed the identity of the ship.

University of Sydney geologist Associate Professor Tom Hubble says the surveying ship created a 3D image of the wreck.

"Really quite emotional, and everyone felt that on reflection," he said.

"It was exciting to see the wreck come up and then you think, well there are a couple of chaps who died when she went down and we've been able to find the wreck and that will give their families a certain amount of relief and closure I guess."